Nautica - 15 August 2013 - Part 1

We arrived at the Mayflower Terminal for about 11.30. We had been given an official boarding time of 1pm but thought it wouldn’t hurt to arrive early and we didn’t mind waiting in the terminal if necessary. When we arrived at the terminal, very few other people were arriving and we walked straight in to check-in. Nice touches included the blue carpet at the entrance with Nautica and Oceania Cruises on and a table with complimentary orange juice and iced water.  After check-in – passports were kept – and the usual credit card swipe, we were given our cruise cards (World Cards in Oceania speak) and a letter to say boarding would begin at 1pm and cabins would be ready at 3pm. As we went through security and I headed for the embarkation lounge, we were called and invited to board the ship. The ship’s card machine was set up on the Promenade deck and crew were stationed at various points to direct us straight to the Terrace Restaurant (buffet). As we crossed the main pool deck I was impressed by rows of sun loungers, steamer chairs and twin steamer chairs, all with thick cushions and white towelling covers.

We found a table on the open deck at the stern of the Terrace Café and then went to choose food. In the buffet all food is served to you at all times. I chose a delicious vegetable lasagne followed by a strawberry concoction. I don't know what it was called but it was delicious - my first introduction to the renowned Oceania food! It was also very nice to be able to order any soft drink - it is all included on Oceania. My plates were carried to the table by a waiter who also poured water, juice or got you drinks. the tables were already laid with mats, cutlery and glasses. After lunch we wandered down to reception to pick up the daily programme, Currents, and then found a sunbed each and lazed until 2.30 when an announcement was made that the staterooms were ready.

 

 

We had a standard twin outside stateroom on Deck 3 with porthole. Unfortunately the bed was made up as a double! A quick call to reception soon got it sorted however, with no fuss or bother. To quote Oceania, "The mattress is composed of 400 encapsulated springs in seven zones covered by two inches of memory foam. A  two-inch-thick pillow top is filled with and wrapped in chamomile-infused fibre. The Prestige Tranquility beds are dresses in 1,000-count Egyptian cotton linens and a plush down comforter." It was certainly the most comfortable bed I have ever had on a cruise ship. At nightly turn-down we each were given a square of Belgian chocolate.

 

 

Cabin amenities include bath robes, slippers, umbrella, soft drinks and water in the fridge, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, hand soap, bath soap (for the shower), shower cap, cotton wool, cotton buds, shoe horn, shoe shine cloth, two hairdryers – one fixed in the bathroom and a hand held one, two large bottles of mineral water, plug-in nightlight, TV and DVD player (DVD’s available free from reception, catalogue in cabin). Best of all, the bedside lights and an ordinary lamp and an additional reading light on a flexible stalk, which can be switched independently its own so as not to disturb your cabin mate. Our luggage was ready and waiting so we unpacked. Storage is not wonderful – one large double wardrobe, and one half robe with half hanging and four drawers. One side of the dressing table/desk is a cupboard with four more small drawers and the other side a cupboard with one shelf. Under the flatscreen TV is a corner cupboard with shelf and safe. We had a sofa, very comfy padded headboard and huge mirrors. Attention to detail was such that as you pushed the toilet lid down, it closed itself quietly – like the soft-closing kitchen drawers!

Having unpacked, we set off to explore the ship. As another R (Renaissance Cruises) ship like Adonia, we were familiar with the layout and much seemed identical even down to the tartan carpet in Horizons (Crows Nest on Adonia). However, there was a huge casino for the size of ship and the buffet is very different (more of that later).

 

 

Muster drill was at 5.15. We assembled in Muster Station A, were checked off a list at the door and were assigned Lifeboat No.1. We were asked to wear our lifejackets and after the usual announcements were led, in boat groups, to our lifeboat so we knew exactly where we had to be in the event of an emergency.

After drill we went up to Horizons to attend the solo meet. There were two entertainment officers and three other ladies. We were offered any drinks of our choice on Oceania. The British are in the minority on the ship at around 10%. By then it was 7pm and time to go change for dinner (Nautica has no formal nights, but I wanted to freshen up). We headed for the Grand Dining Room and joined the short queue. When we got to the Maître d’ he asked if we would like to go to the Polo Grill as there was spare capacity there while we would have to wait for the MDR.  All other dining venues are free/included but you are normally only allowed to book once per cruise so we had no problem heading up to Deck 10.  chose beetroot and Goats cheese starter, Caesar Salad, Jumbo Shrimp Scampi and New York Cheesecake with caramelised top! It is so good being able to have sparkling water with dinner. Dessert was accompanied by home-made jellies and coffee. Dinner ended about 10.30 and the ship died – we thought many were probably jet-lagged but this was normal throughout the cruise. As it was so port-heavy, most people rose early. Often we were in port until 8pm so it was natural we were all tired by 10.30.